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Buffalo Sabres vs. St. Louis Blues: Preview, Predictions and Picks for December 29, 2024

Updated on:
Dec 29, 2024 4:30 PM
The Buffalo Sabres, fresh off a stellar performance from Alex Tuch, who scored a hat trick in their previous game, head to the Enterprise Center to take on the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, December 29, 2024, at 3:00 PM. The Sabres look to build on their 1-0 series lead in the regular season series, while the Blues aim to even the score on their home ice. This matchup promises to be an exciting clash between two teams hungry for a win.
Buffalo Sabres vs St. Louis Blues

Current Odds

BUF
STL
Over
5.5
+145
Under
6.5
-164
BUF
-1.5
+140
STL
+2.5
+105
BUF
ML
+110
STL
ML
+3000

Sabres vs Blues statistics

Stat Sabres Blues
Goals For per Game 3.03 2.62
Goals Against Average 3.36 3.00
Shots per Game 27.6 26.2
Shots Against per Game 28.7 28.7
Power Play Goals 15 13
Power Play Goals Against 26 23
Short Handed Goals 3 2
Short Handed Goals Against 0 0
Penalty Minutes 374 283
Power Play Percentage 14.6 15.7
Penalty Kill Percentage 77.2 75.8

St. Louis Blues recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/27/24 vs Nashville Predators W 7-4
12/23/24 @ Detroit Red Wings W 4-0
12/20/24 @ Florida Panthers L 2-1 OT
12/19/24 @ Tampa Bay Lightning L 3-1
12/17/24 vs New Jersey Devils L 4-1

Buffalo Sabres recent games

Game Date Opponent Result Score
12/27/24 vs Chicago Blackhawks W 6-2
12/23/24 @ New York Islanders W 7-1
12/21/24 @ Boston Bruins L 3-1
12/20/24 vs Toronto Maple Leafs L 6-3
12/17/24 @ Montreal Canadiens L 6-1

St. Louis Blues injuries

  • Alexandre Texier (C): Day-To-Day
  • Radek Faksa (C): Day-To-Day
  • Jake Neighbours (LW): Day-To-Day
  • Philip Broberg (D): Day-To-Day
  • Justin Faulk (D): Day-To-Day

Buffalo Sabres injuries

  • Nicolas Aube-Kubel (RW): Day-To-Day
  • Rasmus Dahlin (D): Out
  • Ryan McLeod (C): Day-To-Day
  • Jordan Greenway (LW): Injured Reserve
  • Sam Lafferty (C): Injured Reserve

Sabres vs Blues game info

Type Info
Venue Enterprise Center
Location Saint Louis, MO
Puck drop Sun 3:00 PM

Sabres vs Blues predictions

Alex Tuch is riding high after his sensational hat trick, and Sabres fans are eagerly watching to see if he can keep up the momentum. With Tuch leading the team with 28 points, everyone’s hoping for another standout performance as he deals with his day-to-day injury status. Even though Tage Thompson, the Sabres' top goal-scorer, is out on injured reserve, there's still a lot to look forward to. Keep an eye on Rasmus Dahlin despite his current absence; his 19 assists have been crucial in facilitating offensive plays for Buffalo. The Sabres are scrappy and have shown they can surprise, but can the supporting cast rise to the occasion alongside Tuch? That's the big question looming over the team's visit to St. Louis.

Shifting our attention to the Blues, Jordan Kyrou stands out as a formidable force on the ice. As the leading goal-scorer with 15 goals and 31 points, Kyrou’s presence is one the Sabres will need to watch closely. In Robert Thomas, the Blues have a playmaker with an impressive 20 assists even though he, like others, is on injured reserve. St. Louis may have a slightly better overall record, but it’s their ability to capitalize on home ice that’s crucial. Kyrou alone might not be enough; a strong team performance will be needed to defend their skating rink at the Enterprise Center.

When it comes to predicting the winner, it's a bit of a coin flip. Both teams have their strengths and challenges. St. Louis has an edge playing at home and the odds seem to suggest they're the favorites. However, don't count out the Sabres just yet; they've managed to lead the regular-season series 1-0. Ultimately, I have a feeling the Blues will squeeze out a victory here, taking advantage of home ice and their ability to rally around key players like Kyrou. But honestly, in the NHL, surprises are the norm, so who knows? Maybe it'll come down to which team wants it more on the night. What do you think?

St. Louis Blues

Buffalo Sabres

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